Klusener slams board's 'crazy decision'

Lance Klusener, the former South Africa allrounder, has come out strongly against Cricket South Africa's (CSA's) decision to ban players who have signed up with the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

"It's a crazy decision," Klusener told the Mercury, a Durban-based newspaper. "It would deprive the young players here of my input, whether on the field or through coaching. What would be the point of it? I believe I still have a lot to offer, and I'm at the stage in my career when I want to put something back into the game."

Earlier, Gerard Majola, CSA's chief executive, had said that the board would ban players joining the ICL. "We view them [the players who have signed on with the ICL] as rebels," Majola told Beeld, an Afrikaans newspaper. "They have joined a breakaway organisation."

Tony Irish, the CEO of the South African Cricketers' Association, said he was "unhappy" about Majola's decision. "I have taken it up with Majola and am waiting for his reply." But the matter has reportedly not yet been discussed by CSA.

Klusener plans to "help the Dolphins out" in their four-day match against the Eagles in Kingsmead scheduled for next week; though it is unclear whether CSA will allow him to do so. Klusener and Nicky Boje, the former left-arm spinner, are the only South Africans to have signed on with the ICL.